Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 APO-M DG Macro Lens
Sigma's 70-300mm f/4-5.6 APO-M DG Macro Lens is one of several tele-macro zoom lenses. It is a compact Apochromatic tele-macro zoom lens incorporating two Special Low Dispersion glass elements in the front lens group, plus one Special Low Dispersion glass element in the rear lens group, to minimize chromatic aberration.
This tele-macro zoom lens is capable of focusing down to 1:2 (half life-size) reproduction ratio at 300mm focal length with superb optical quality. It also has a switch for changeover to macro photography at focal lengths between 200mm and 300mm. The lens materials used in this product are lead and arsenic free ecological glass.
The improved DG lens design corrects for various aberrations. This lens is specially coated to get the best color balance while cutting down on ghosting caused by reflections from the digital image sensor.
- Macro photography with a 1:2 maximum close-up magnification at the 300mm focal length
- Switch for changeover to macro photography at focal lengths between 200mm and 300mm with a maximum close-up magnification from 1:2.9 to 1:2
Go To
| Performance | |
|---|---|
| Focal Length | 70 - 300 mm |
| Aperture |
Maximum: f/4 - 5.6 Minimum: f/22 - 32 |
| Camera Mount Type | Canon EF |
| Format Compatibility |
35mm Film / Full-Frame Digital Sensor Canon (APS-C) |
| Angle of View | 34.3° - 8.2° |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 4.92' (149.86 cm) |
| Magnification | 0.5x |
| Maximum Reproduction Ratio | 1:2 |
| Groups/Elements | 10/14 |
| Diaphragm Blades | 9 |
| Features | |
|---|---|
| Image Stabilization | No |
| Autofocus | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No |
| Physical | |
|---|---|
| Filter Thread | 58 mm |
| Dimensions (DxL) | Approx. 3.0 x 4.7" (7.62 x 11.94 cm) |
| Weight | 1.17 lb (530 g) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 70 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
95%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Fast / accurate auto-focus (39)
- Consistent output (35)
- Easily interchangeable (33)
- Durable (29)
- Strong construction (22)
Cons
- Slow focus (15)
- Heavy (11)
- Poor in low light (10)
- Blurry focus (6)
Best Uses
- Landscape/scenery (21)
- Wildlife photos (21)
- General purpose (17)
- Macro photography (16)
- Sports/action (16)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Photo enthusiast (18), Enthusiast (12), Semi-professional (10), Semi-pro photographer (8), Casual photographer (6)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (18)
Most Liked Positive Review
Best Macro Lens for the Price.
I own a Canon Digital Rebel XTi and I bought this lens with the intention of not only taking advantage of the zoom but also taking full advantage of the Macro feature.
Read complete review
I own a Canon Digital Rebel XTi and I bought this lens with the intention of not only taking advantage of the zoom but also taking full advantage of the Macro feature.
As part of my project to building up my photography portfolio for school, I went to Butterfly World and used this very lens. I took beyond amazing shots that I could not have been able to take without this lens. They looked professional and flawless. The details were amazing. You were able to see the complete details of the butterfly's eye and the hairs off the antennas and face. Yes, that precise. I did not use any sort of tripod either and was able to take a lot of shots without it looking blurry.
Some people have said that the automatic focus was not good but to me it was great. In taking photos of butterflies, insects who hardly stay still for a very long period of time, I used nothing else but the AF feature and it was great. No problems with it.
The only thing that you need to be aware of is switching the Macro feature on and off. It's not a bad thing but you need to notice this. It happened to me in the beginning but now it seems to not happen anymore for some reason. When you go to Macro mode during the 200-300mm and you want to go back to normal mode, the switch might get stuck. A simple way to fix this is by putting it on Manual Focus, switching the Macro off and then you can go back to AF. This happened to me mostly in the beginning but not as I tried it, it does not happen. So if it does, just be aware of it and I do not think that it is a defect.
One draw back though is that this lens starts off at 70mm so you cannot be very close to your subject. I prefer 50mm to start off.
You cannot beat the price though. I've shopped around and B&H has a great bargain. Not only will you be getting the lens but they even provide you with a case AND a Lens Shade!
Buy it! You will love it!
As far as my experience goes, I'm a college student majoring in Graphic Design and my second concentration is Photography. I have done both film (especially B&W) and Digital Photography. I do not classify myself as a professional but I do have experience. However this lens does not require previous experience. You will get the hang of it once you use it. Just play with it for a while around the house before taking it out.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Not so good wide open
Uses: Kids sports, local news and portrait.
Good: Light solid build. Decent focus speed for price.
Bad: Not so sharp below 5.6. I first thought is was me, but t...Read complete review
Uses: Kids sports, local news and portrait.
Good: Light solid build. Decent focus speed for price.
Bad: Not so sharp below 5.6. I first thought is was me, but then tested lens with tripod at different apertures. At 8.0 it was very sharp, but below that it was significantly less sharp. Wide open was relatively useless.
Recommend: To hobbyist.
Reviewed by 70 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-20
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Pros
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Outdoors
Comments about Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 APO-M DG Macro Lens:
I am a photo enthusiast just starting to expand my hobby to the next level. I researched other zoom lenses and after extensive research I settled on the Sigma 70-300mm as the entry level zoom lense for me. I have used the lense a few times and am VERY pleased with the sharpness of the lense. For the price this is going to suit my needs for quite a while.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Nice Bokeh
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 APO-M DG Macro Lens:
I took this lens on the suggestion of one of my photographer friend, who took it while he was learning photography. I also appreciated the idea of using a cheaper lens while I am learning.
I mostly used it for shooting birds, and sunset from heights and moon.
It's a great lens for beginners to average skilled users.
The features work as described in the lens specifications and when compared to the price, the deal is very nice
I shot an entire album of common birds in my backyard and it came out pretty good. A moon shot from this lens has been superb too.
I also shot some portraits of friends from a distance of 10M and got superb bokeh
I was though disappointed by the absence of any optical stablizing mechanism, which should have been obvious to me.So night shots of distant objects were tricky because vibrations caused a lot of camera shake.
All in all, too good for its price range. Good deal Sigma!!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
Cons
- Blurry Focus
- Poor in Low Light
- Slow Focus
Best Uses
Comments about Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 APO-M DG Macro Lens:
I didn't get sharp pics with this lens. I sent mine back to get my money back.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easily Interchangeable
- Nice Bokeh
Cons
- Poor in Low Light
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Macro Photography
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 APO-M DG Macro Lens:
The lens thus far has been amazing. I am no professional but I have been able to effectively use the lens in many conditions to get some amazing shots. Not having image stabilization means using it at night or low light situations is nearly impossible without a tripod, but you get what you pay for.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 APO-M DG Macro Lens:
freelance photgrapher, loving this lens, a tripod is definitely a must with this one as there is no I/S on it. Other than that, no conmplaints
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Macro Photography
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 APO-M DG Macro Lens:
For the price, this lens is a great value for new SLR photographers. The lens is incredibly good, considering the price. I'd highly recommend getting this, especially as a first-time telephoto for new consumer SLR photographers.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Nice Bokeh
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Macro Photography
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 APO-M DG Macro Lens:
I find myself consistently using this lens more than any other lens I have because it allows me to take nature shots and get candid close-up shots of people with great depth of field. It is a great fit with my DSLR. Although it does not have Image Stabilization it still gives me incredible shots of the eagles.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Lightweight
Cons
- Blurry Focus
- Slow Focus
Best Uses
- Paper Weight
Comments about Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 APO-M DG Macro Lens:
Took a thousand shots all bad...poor focus, so I bought canon is 50-200 it million times better...
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Macro Photography
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 APO-M DG Macro Lens:
I think this lens is great. Excellent zoom! I've only had it a few weeks, but I think that I will really enjoy having it!
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Nice Bokeh
Cons
- Poor in Low Light
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Macro Photography
- Sports/Action
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 APO-M DG Macro Lens:
I use this lens for nature shots and close up of people.
the range is great. very sharp images and nice depth of field
not great in low light.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
Comments about Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 APO-M DG Macro Lens:
The first time we used it, it was strange because we were useful to use a 18-200mm. But the pictures and the quality of them are very good.
it is exactly what we were looking for.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
- Strong Construction
Cons
- NONE
Best Uses
- Good all around lens
- Indoors/Low Light
- Macro Photography
Comments about Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 APO-M DG Macro Lens:
its exactly what i need to get to start me off on my photography hobby
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Nice Bokeh
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Poor in Low Light
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Macro Photography
- Sports/Action
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 APO-M DG Macro Lens:
Excellent quality lens. Obviously is slow (f4-5.6) but for newest cameras with hi ISO values (3200-6400), you will be satisfied if light is not enough.
You will notice the lack of Image Stabilization, specially if you try to use for video. Of course, you could fix it using a tripod.
The Macro mode is excellent. The non-chromatic aberration is also noticed here.
It's the best option if you don't want to spend more than 2 grants.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Blurry Focus
- Heavy
- Poor in Low Light
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 APO-M DG Macro Lens:
it's great lens for casual photographing. I'm using it for taking landscape photos and they are great.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Nice Bokeh
- Strong Construction
Cons
- No OS
- Poor in Low Light
- Tough To Attach
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Macro Photography
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 APO-M DG Macro Lens:
This was my first non-Canon lens and I was leery about purchasing it but for what this Sigma can do, Zoom [70-200mm] to Macro [200-300mm @ 1:2] it was too hard to resist the temptation. The price was extremely economical as well. You get the lens, the endcap/lenscap, a hood and a padded case too.
Now, my intent was to use this lens as an all purpose walk around lens replacing my Canon 55-250mm EF-S IS for that distance plus gaining the 1:2 macro. Without optical stabilization or a tripod my goal was unobtainable, so I returned it. Some hands I am sure are steadier than mine but at full or near to full extension with the hood on that is a LOT of lens to hold still.
My review isn't negative though.. This is a very sturdily built lens, the focus is clean and sharp, the macro bokeh is beautiful [Remember: tripod is your mantra!] and the price is something really unheard of in a lens of this quality. So I do recommend this lens as long as you know it's limitations.
*Poor in low light-- has to do with lens length which is expected.
*Tough to attach-- because you have to look at the bottom of the lens to line it up when mounting and then it's a very snug fit. It won't fall off though.
* No OS-- it really IS a necessity in a lens like this.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Macro Photography
- Night Photography
- Sports/Action
- Video
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 APO-M DG Macro Lens:
great image. great macro function. great built.
Pros
Cons
- Blurry Focus
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
Comments about Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 APO-M DG Macro Lens:
Since this is new to me,I still need to try it,but not for indoor or night(for sure)
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Versatile lens
Cons
- Slow Focus
Best Uses
- Macro Photography
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 APO-M DG Macro Lens:
it's a really good lens for the price, mostly because of the macro option, and even for the quality(it's not so cheaply done).
the really bad point of it is the focus, it's very slow!
when it's 150mm or more, it's very easy to have a shaky image.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Nice Bokeh
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Tough To Attach
Best Uses
- Macro Photography
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 APO-M DG Macro Lens:
I use it for people and macros. its an inexpansive lens with expansive grade quality. colours, sharpness and details all are excellent.
I like the fact that the build quality is so good and it also comes with a lens pouch and hood.
Juts one thing that the zoom ring on the lens works opposite to what canon lenses have .. means it works in anti clock wise direction to zoom-in and clockwise to zoom-out.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
Cons
- Lens Creep
- Poor in Low Light
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Macro Photography
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 APO-M DG Macro Lens:
I was looking for an inexpensive zoom lens [...] Originally I thought about getting a more expensive Canon lens but found this Sigma did all the same things for less money.Pros - Auto focus works well and over all image quaility is good for the price.Cons - No IS - you'll have to spend a lot more for image stabilizer feature but everyone knows this.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
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Filters & Filter Kits
- Price: $8.48
- Price: $29.90
Hoods & Covers
- Price: $39.95
Cases & Wraps
- Price: $9.79
What's in the Box
- Front & Rear Lens Caps
- Lens Hood
- Soft Lens Case
- 3-Year USA Warranty
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